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Book 



16—47 



POETIC ESSAYS, 



TO AID 



The Devotions 



OF PIOUS PEOPLE, 



BY AMOS FINNEY. 



r « Sing unto the Lord, a new *ong." 

Scripture. 



BOSTON : 

I Printed by Lincoln & Edmands, 53 Cornhill. 

1822, 



3 O for that fortitude which can 

My every fear control ; 
Then would the dread of sinful •man. 
No more disturb my soul. 

4 Lord, thou canst conquer every foe, 

Thy grace can sanctify : 
Amen ; O Lord, may it be so, 
Let my corruptions die. 

HYMN 3. P. M. 

"Go on to Perfection." (Heb. vi. 1.) 

1 Perfect-love— O pleasing theme ! 
This I want to feel within ; 

For this grace alone I plead ; 
This, O Lord, thou know'st I need. 

2 Perfect me, O Lord, within, 
Cleanse my soul from every sin ; 
After this I now pursue, 

« Lord, create my soul anew. 

3 When I am with GOD alone, 
For this blessing I do moan ; 
From all sin I would abstain, 
Holiness is all my aim. 

4 Shew me, Lord, how I may find 
Such an humble, holy mind ; 

I would spend all night in prayer* 
Could my soul the blessing share. 

5 Oft the tempter tries a scheme, 
Says it's nothing but a dream ; 
But my faith doth that deny, 
For it is a tempting lie, 

6 For this, Lord, I've pray'd and sigh'cL, 
Sure I cannot be denied ; 

Grant me, Lord, thy perfect love. 
Fit me for thy courts above, 



HYMN 4. L.M. (Hab. iii. 17.) 

1 LEST sin should sink my soul to hell, 
Lord, let not one in secret dwell ; 
Search me, O GOD, in every part, 
Search me and show me all my heart. 

2 Let me be stript of all my pride, 
Let me with Christ be crxified j 
I will not mind the hardest fare, 
If but his glory I may share. 

3 Though pinching poverty prevail, 
The labour of the olive fail, 

Although the fields should yield no meat, 
If Christ is mine, my joy's complete. 

HYMN 5. C. M. 

" Never man spake like this man:'' John vii. 45. 

1 NO man nor angel can compare 

With our Almighty Lord: 
To speak like him, what mortal dare, 
Or imitate his word ? 

2 Who can command the dead to rise, 

With a prevailing pow'r ? 
Who can give light to sightless eyes ? 
The sick to health restore ? 

3 Whose word the raging sea can tame ? 

Or furious winds control ? 
Unstop deaf ears, or cure the lame, 
Or make the wounded whole ? 

4 Such love as his can ne'er be found, 

His grace is rich indeed ; 
Such words as his there's none can sound, 
Nor do as Jesus did. 

HYMN 6. C. M. 
1 Christian, wouldst thou in grace excel, 
Wouldst thou enlarge thy store— 



Use what thou hast with hum hie zeal, 
And God will give thee more. 

2 Shew kind affection, special care, 
To the afflicted poor, 
Give freely what thou hast to spare, 
And God will give thee more. 

HYMN 7. P. M. "" 

1 FAR, far, my soul, from sin begone, 
Let that most horrid thing alone, 

And seek a perfect mind : 
God will your every wish regard, 
Then haste, my soul, to seek the Lord, 

And leave all sin behind. 

2 A perfect heart, a willing mind, 

The Lord requires that we should find ; 

For this alone I plead : 
O Lord, encourage me to seek, 
O make me holy, humble, meek, 

As thou shalt see I need. _ 

HYMN 8. CM. ~~ 

*' Fear not, little jlcck, for it is ycur Father** 

good pleasure to give you ike kingdom" 

(Luke xii.36 ) 

1 "FEAR not, my little flock of lambs, 

" Who dread the pinching cold ; 
" I'll carry you, within mine arms, 
4 * Up to the heav'nly fold. 

2 " Why should sore trials make you fear, 

" Temptation you alarm, 
" When I have promis'd to be near 
" And rescue from all harm ? 

3 "O do not fear, I am thy guide ; 

" Yea, even to the end ; 
*' Only keep near my bleeding side, 
"• And I will you defend. 

mt ■ ■ 



U Stand fast, ye little flock, be bold ; 

«« Fear not 'Goliath's might ; 
" With courage, hand in hand take hold. 

" And I will help you fight. 

5 " Fear not the scofhngs of the world, 

" Fear not temptation's power ; 
" I'll save, when fi'ry darts are hurl'd, 
m When heaviest tempests low'r. 

6 " O do not fear, let come what may, 

" I'll save in troubles seven ; 
«« And in the great decisive day, 

« l I'll take you up to heaven," 



HYMN 9. P. M. 

■'* When thou prayest enter into thy closet" 
(Matt, vi 6) 

1 BUSY man, why so confin'd 
To the vanities below, 
Which so interrupt your mind, 

- When, to hear the word you go ? 

2 How much time and breath are spent 
In the follies of the day ; 

Dying man, come, now repent, 
In thy closet ! — don't delay. 

3 In thy closet thou shalt find, 
What, abroad, is often lost ; 
Perfect peace unto thy mind^ 
Only praying breath it cost. 

4 O then, let us now begin, 
In the solitary place, 
Hard to wrestle against sin, 

And pray for saving gr ace. 

HYMN 10. L.M. 

The Faithful. 
WHEN heavenly pilgrims take the race, 
They have in view a glorious'prize, 



__8 

Towards their rest they set their face, 
And speed their passage to the skies : 

2 Nor friends, nor foes can stop their flight ; 
Their time and talents all are given, 
To serve their God with all their might, 
And speed their way to rest in heav'n. 

HYMN 11. CM. 

<l Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight 
of any bird." (Prov. i. 13.) 

1 IN vain doth satan spread his net, 

To catch the faithful soul, 
That doth in heavenly places sit, 
Where sin has no control. 

2 But when they wander from their place, 

How fast their souls lose ground ; 
Without a Saviour's smiling face, 
They must in hell be found. 

3 But, bless the Lord for perfect love, 

That binds our souls so nigh 
To him, that we can never rove, 
While kept by such a tie. 

4 May we be kept, Lord, in thine arms, 

Lest we should stray from thee ; 
And lose the best of heaven's charms, 
To all eternity. 



HYMN 12. L M. 

Naaman. 

1 THERE is a fountain that will heal 
The worst disorders mortals feel ; 
O that poor sinners would but try 
Its healing virtue, ere they die ! 

2 Naaman of old, o'erwhelm'd with grief, 
Came to the prophet for relief; 
Elisha told him where to go, 

To wash and make him white as snow. 



3 Dip seven times in Jordan's stream, 
And from your leprosy be clean ; 
"This is too humbling, (hear him say,) 
" Too mean for me or mine t' obey." 

4 This was the language ©f the prince, 
'Till him his servant did convince ; 

" Some mighty deed, his servant cries, 
Would have been pleasing in thine eyes 

5 Much rather, then would I be mean, 
And bathe in Jordan and be clean ; 
Elisha chose this method fit 

To make thy pride and will submit: 
'Tis not thy works, nor Jordan's flood, 
Can cleanse thee, but the hand of GOD c 
This GOD of power will be kind 
To all who have a humble mind." 

7 The leper turns his course to ride, 
With all his train to Jordan's side ; 
And there he bathes his sickly frame, 
'Till like a child's his flesh became. 

8 He that would be GOD's chosen heir, 
Must wash, like Naaman, and be fair s 
Come, sinners, dip in Jordan's flood, 
This is the only way to God. 



HYMN 13. C. M. 

1 ALL ye young pilgrims, who have sought 
The pearl of grace, and found, 
Whose souls, the blood of Jesus bought* 
Are you to heaven bound ? 
13 Come, let us march together on, 
The crown before us lies ; 
With patience, let us ever run, 
Till we obUin the prize. 



10 

HYMN 14. P.M. 

1 JESUS, thy gospel bless, 
Thy word of righteousness, 
And may it have access 

To all around : 
O send it» like a dart. 
To every careless heart, 
And help each to impart 

The blessing found, 

2 O help thy servants, Lord, 
To understand thy word, 
And also grace aflfbrd 

That they may teach : 
O may their lives proclaim 
The glory of thy name, 
May love. their souls inflame, 

Whene'er they preachy 

3 Lord, bless thy people too, 
Although they are but few ; 
Create their souls anew 

In peace and love : 
O may they seek and find 
A Saviour's perfect mind, 
And leave this world behind, 

For that above. 

HYMN 15. C. M. 
John v. 2. 
1**0 COULD I to Jerus'lem go, 
And find Bethesda's pool ; 
There the afflicted left their wo, 
The wounded were made whole 1" 

2 In vain my wretched unbelief, 
Might thus forever sigh ; 
Christ is the source of all relief^ 
That source is ever nighr 



11 

■■ ■ ■ »■ « ' • 

3 See how this blood divine doth flow, 

How plentiful and pure ; 
I need not to Jerus'lem go, 
To seek a perfect cure. 

4 Here is a fountain, deep and wide, 

A fountain rich and free ; 
With healing virtue well supply'd, 
For sinners such as me. 

5 I need not wash in Jordan's stream, 

While here are streams of blood ; 
Now let me rise to praise his name, 
And plunge into this flood. 

6 This is a pool of high renown, 

Its virtue is most sure ; 
Come, sinners, plunge directly down, 
Receive an instant cure. 
,,...., ...» 

HYMN 16. CM. 

(Hosea x. 12.) 

1 HEARKEN, young men, and maidens toq, 

And hear the prophet's word; 
Attend awhile, what's said to you, 
"'Tis time to seek the Lord." 

2 O, sow in righteousness, and reap 

In mercy a reward ; 
Arise from death, in which you sleep, 
" 'Tis time to seek the Lord." 

3 Your life is short, and but a span, 

Death breaks the silver cord ; 
And Christ requires that every man 
Should haste and seek the Lord. 

4 The judgment day is drawing nigh, 

When sin will be abhorr'd ; 
Then will you, in confusion, cry, 
•• Gh ! had I sought the Lord !." 



5 How can you think Christ's service vain .J 
It doth true peace afford : 
To seek and save the lost he came, 
That they might seek the Lord. 

HYMN 17. CM. 

44 Prepare to meet thy GoJ.' 3 (Amos iv. 12.) 

1 THE voice of God to man doth cry, 

While on this earthly clod, 

*« Prepare to live, prepare to die, 

Prepare to meet thy God" 

2 Come, sinner, take the solemn view, 

Behold thy mother sod ; 
The op'ning- grave calls loud for you, 
fi Prepare to meet thy God." 
S That solemn day is drawing near, 
When, summon'd by his nod, 
All nations shall at once appear, 
Before the bar of God. 

4> Then shall the books be open'd wide, 
And sinners feel his rod ; * 
And then the saints in peace abide 
Forever with their God. 

HYMN 18. P.M. 

An invitation to the youth. 

1 REMEMBER, remember ye youthful and gay, 
Who spend your short moments in vanity'* play, 
Your Maker is calling, hear what he doth say, 
"You must seek a Saviour, and make no delay .4 

1 You now like the flowers, do flourish awhile, 
And grow like the lilies on their native soil ; 
But death, like a torrent will sweep you away ; 
O haste, seek a Saviour, and make no delay. 

3 Consider, your moments are flying apace, 

And death's dreadful horrors stare full in your face :.. 
And for one's preparing it never will stay; 
O haste, seek a Saviour, and make no delay. 

4 Though young, most uncertain your days are below, 
Anr< how death will find you, you shortly will know :. 
That you may be ready, 1 earnestly pray { 

Corns vow, seek a Saviuur, »ad males no delay. 



13 

*"~" HYMM 19. P. M. 

1 BUT why did Martha take this load 
Of care, while Christ with her abode, 

And sacrifice her peace ? 
His visit never was design'd, 
To vex or interrupt her mind, 

But from such thing's release. 

2 'Twas love that brought him to her door» 
He sought her heart and nothing more, 

Though much against her will: 
He wanted no delicious fare, 
Though his attendants crowded there, 

And all the house did fill 

3 But Martha's heart was much like mine, 
Prone to mistake her Lord's design, 

With care she vex'd her soul : 
Her love, no doubt, was quite sincere, 
Though mixed with corroding fear, 

Which did her heart control. 

4 Perhaps 'twas pride possess'd her breast, 
And urg'd her to set forth her best, 

Her body to adorn : 
She thought to have it told abroad, 
How well she entertain'd her Lord, 

As to the outward form. 

5 Methinks I see her full of care, 
Fond of attending here and there, 

Some happiness to find : 
But, to suppress her vain desire, 
Her strength and patience equal tire, 

And leave a troubled mind. 

6 She calls for Mary to assist, 

But Martha the true object miss'd, 

How much she needs a guide : 
Mary is plac'd at Jesus' feet, 
Nor will she quit her humble seat, 
For all the world beside. 



14 

m m , ■ i i , ii • • ■ ■■- " ' •■■ . * * *. 

7 Now Martha's anger must appear ; 
She thinks her Master deals severe, 

And does not care for her ; 
Thus to allow her sister rest, 
While she for help was quite distress^ 

Amid the care and stir. 

8 " My Lord, said she, have I a share 
'« In thy compassion, or thy care ? 

" And art thou truly mine r 
" Then chide my sister's idleness, 
"And bid her help to serve the guests, 

l i Let her no more decline." 

9 Here Martha's pride receiv'd a blow, 
The Saviour's answer brought her low, 

'Tvvas like a piercing sword : 
Ah ! sure her heart was almost broke, 
When thus her blessed Master spok*, 

With grace in ev'ry word. 

10 lt Martha, thy anxious, troubled mind, 
•* Is much to worldly care confin'd, 

" And this will never do : 
"But think of this while time shall roll, 
*' One thing is needful for thy soul, 

*' And this I have for you. 

11 "Mary doth in this good rejoice, 

" And I commend her serious choice 

*' To you her sister dear ; 
t{ While at my feet she loves to stay, 
«« There's none shall force her soul away, 

" Nor trouble her with fear." 

12 O let this answer sound abroad, 
The worldly mind's by God abhorred, 

He loves the pious soul ! 
Let those who in his favour share, 
Of worldly mindedness beware, 

Lest it their heart control, 



15 

- - ■■ — ■• ■ « i • f » 

1$ Let Mary's happy choice be mine, 
My heart be fill'd with love divine, 

While here below I stay ; 
O let me at his feet be found, 
Whatever guest may me surround, 
And never may I stray. 

14 I sojourn in a world of snares, 

Nor would my mind be free from carts, 

Were not the Lord my hope ; 
Be this my care in every place, 
To glorify this God of grace, 
And at his feet look up. 

15 Guard me, O God, on ev'ry side, 
From all anxiety and pride, 

And fill my heart with love ; 
• Careless of praise, I'd seek to be 
Commended and approv'd by thee, 
'Till I shall reign above. 

HYMN 20. C. M. 

1 O LET me lay my anger by, 

And bid my wrath begone ; 
Or from it let me rather fly, 
Before the setting sun. 

2 Can comfort in my bosom rest, 

When I in anger speak ? 
Let me with tenderness be blest, 
Lord, make me truly meek. 
5 Lest I be taken by surprise, 
Or once malicious prove, 
O make me as the serpent wise, 
And harmless as the dove. 
4 Still let me guard my heart with care, 
And ev'ry passion curb, 
Lest pride should get dominion there, 
And sin my peace disturb. 



HYMN 21. P.M. 

1 COME, all ye heav'n bound pilgrims, 

Who feel your sins forgiv'n ; 
Who talk about salvation, 
While on the road to heaven, 

2 This road is for the righteous, 

None else do walk therein ; 
A *oad that's called precious, 
In* which there is no sin. 

3 Come, all ye aged pilgrims, 

And travel on with me, 
Unto the land of promise, 
Which now by faith we see. 

4 The awful day of Judgment 

Will very soon appear ; 
And then the last loud trumpet 

Shall ev'ry mortal hear. 
9 Then while short time is passing, 

O come and let us spend 
Our days in pray'r and fasting, 

Before they all shall end. 

6 O, come, my young companions 3 

And travel on with me, 
Toward the higher regions 
Of immortality. 

7 Though young, your life is shorter 

At every setting sun ; 
Soon we to dust shall moulder, 
Soon will the glass be run. 

8 Now, as our time is fleeting, 

The moments fly apace ; 
May God enable pilgrims, 
To travel on through grace 

HYMN 22. C. M. 
ARISE, ye soldiers of the cross, 
Who fight for light and heaven ; 



17 



Count all things here but dung and dross, 
The prue will soon be given. 

2 Arise, and leave your cares behind, 

Which so disturb the soul ; 
And be no more with them confin'dj 
But cast aufay the whole. 

3 Take up your-orosS; set out anew, 

^ And God will give you strength ; 
Your Master's footsteps now pursue> 
And he will save at length. 

4 O may this be my happy case, 

To run with patience on ; 
To run I am resolv'd by grace, 
Till I in heaven sit down. 

HYMN 23. C. M. " 

(l Cor. viii. 29.) 

1 THE time is short ! O solemn thought J 

And are we born to d<e ! 
Man's from the womb, bound to the tomb, 
As fast as time can fly. 

2 The sinner prays for length of days, 

And dreads the hour of death • 
But christians plead for time to speed 
When yielding up their breath. 

3 They long to be where they can see 

Their Lord, their Love, their All; 
While sinners think upon that brink* 
Whence they must shortly fall. 

4 Lord, have I sought the christian's lot** 

Or am I left to fear, 
The sinner's doom will be my home* 
Unless I find thee here ? " 

5 But I intend my davs to spend 

In service for mv God ; 
' B 



18 

That when I die, I may but fly 
To Christ, my safe abode. 

HYMN 24. P. M. 

1 COME, christians, let us think, 
How many sins there are, 
Which only tend to sink 

Our souls into despair. 

2 How oft the christian is 
To levity a prey ; 

And this disturbs his peace, 
While marching in the way. 

3 And pride that busy sin, 
That secret, deadly foe ; 
When once it doth begin, 
May prove our overthrow. 

4 Fell anger too, that mars 
The christian's happiness, 
And all communion bars 
With Christ our righteousness, 

5 Self-will and self-conceit , 
Self-righteousness beside, 
Our warmest hopes defeat, 
And Christ the Saviour hide. 

Dull idleness, that wears 
Upon the christian's mind, 
Makes us neglect our prayers* 
And leave the cross behind. 

7 And idle company 

Will lead our souls astray ; 
From it we should be free, 
And that without delay. 

8 Also, Xhejear of man, 
Would soon undo the saint ; 
For often when they run, 
Jit makes the spirit faint.' 



19 

9 O thou, who hearest prayer 
Whene'er thy children call, 
Protect us by thy care, 
While on this earthly ball. 

HYMN 25 L. M. 

1 JESUS, the name that charms my soul ; 
Jesus, though wounded, makes me whole 
Jesus is merciful and kind, 

Jesus, there's none hath such a mind. 

2 Jesus on Calvary did die, 
Jesus beneath the clods did lid ; 
Jesus was raised from the dead, 
Jesus doth'live to intercede. 

3 Jesus, thy goodness can't be told ; 
Jesus, thy grace to me unfold : 
Jesus forever is the same, 
Jesus is all I want — amen. 

HYMN 26. C. M. 

1 ENCUMBER'D, Lord, thou see'st I am, 

As Martha was of old ; 
In vain the better part I claim, 
For still my heart is cold. 

2 O Lord, relieve me from these cares, 

And let my soul be free 
From all that hinders, or that mars 
My constant peace with thee. 

HYMN 27. C. M. ~~ 

1 HUMILITY, that heavenly grace, 

How it exalts the saint ! 
Though he may often seem abas'd, 
The spirit does not faint. 

2 The scriptures say, 4 if we would be 

Exalted by the Lord, 



20 

We must have true humility 
To make our passions chord. 
3 To Jacob's God, I now will seek 
For purity of soul: 
Lord, make me holy, humble, meek, 
And all my heart control. 

HYMN 28. C. M. 

1 BLOW up this spark of love divine, 

O Lord, into a flame ; 
Yes, may my will and all be thine, 
Thine all I have and am. 

2 Stamp thy own image on my heart ; 

There write thy holy name, 
That I may never with thee part, 
And have no other aim. 

3 Come, O thou holy, heavenly Dove, 

And sanctify my soul ; 
Come, fill my soul with perfect love, 
And make my spirit whole. 

4 A soul renew'd and sanctified, 

O Lord, is all I want ; 
Fop this thy servant long hath cried, 
Now ni)' petition grant. 
H^ 



HYMN 29. C. M 

" Fear not, /or I am with thee" (Jer. i. 8.) 

1 HARK ! O my soul, methinks I hear 

My Saviour's pleasant voice : 
" Fear not, thou worm, for I am near, 
" I'll save thee by the cross. 

2 " While mortal men revile and frown, 

" I'll smile upon thy soul ; 
« 4 And thou shalt tread the tempter down, 
" While I his rage control. 

3 " Trust thou in my Almighty name, 

11 Nor let thy faith grow weak ; 



21 

" Thy soul shall ne'er be put to shame, 
" If thou my glory seek" 
4 Lord, I resign me to thy will, 
Thy wisdom I adore ; 
I yield to thee : thy word fulfil, 
And let me doubt no more. 

— — i i •■ 
HYMN 30. L. M. 

(1 Kincrs, ill 5.) 

1 ART thou to seriousness inclin'd— 
Ask, and I'll solemnize thy mind ; 
Dost thou want love to Jesus' name, 
Ask, and it will thy heart inflame. 

2 Dost thou want peace and pardon seal'd, 
Ask, for they wait to be reveal'd ; 

Dost thou want faith and holy fear, „ 
Ask, for behold the blessing's near. 

3 Dost thou want strength 'gainst sin to fight; 
Ask, and I'll give thee heavenly might ; 
Dost thou want light and life divine, 
Ask, and eternal life is thine. 

4 Wilt thou be made completely whole, 
Ask, and I'll renovate thy soul ; 
This instant ask, arise and pray, 
Lose not such blessings by delay. 

HYMN 31. C. M. 

1 LET seriousness attend my talk, 

Resigned be my will ; 
Let holiness attend my walk 
Towards the heavenly hill. 

2 May I live faithful, watchful too, 

And fear thee all my days ; 
Take up my cross, my duty do, 
And win the crown through grace. 



22 

HYMN 32. P. M. 
(1 Cor. ix. 24.) 

I MAY I be taught to run this heav'nly race, 
To run, indeed, I am resolv'd by grace } 
O may I run so as to win the crown, 
Nor tire 'till with the angels I sit down. 

1 Nor would I run this heavenly race alone, 

Fain would I see the world approach the throne : 
VA have my friends and foes, and all agree 
To run this race, and strive to outrun me. 

3 O, surely heav'n is worth our utmost pains ! 
Then let us strive to reach those blissful plains ; 
And if we meet the cross as christians do, 

May we not faint, but run with patience through. 

4 O let us think of looking back no more, 
But run while Jesus shews an open door; 
Lest he in anger shut the heav'nly gate, 

And tell us, with a frown, " 'Tis now too late." 

HYMN 33, a M. 

Evening. 

1 ANOTHER day has pass'd away, 

And we are yet in sight ; 
To God alone, we make our moan 
For what we've not done right. 

2 Line upon line, time after time, 

From him we do receive ; 
A little here, a little there, 
And yet his Spirit grieve. 

3 Soon we must lie beneath the clay. 

No more to rise again, 
Until that morn when Christ shall come 
Upon the earth to reign. 

4 Lord, let thy fear be ever near, 

Our idols all consume ; 
Thy grace impart to every heart, 
And fit us for the tomb. 



HYMN 34. P. M. 
I LIFE'S a ship in constant motion, 
Sometimes high, and sometimes low ; 



23 

Ev'ry one must brave the ocean, 
Whatsoever wind may blow. 

2 If assail'd by squall or shower, 
Wafted by the gentle gales ; 
Let's not lose the golden hour, 
While religion fills our sails. 

3 Christians, if the wind should bluster, 
Let us not give way to fear .- 

But let's all our courage muster, 
Learn by Jesus how to steer. 

4 Let your judgment keep you steady, 
'Tis a ballast never fails ; 

And in danger be you ready. 
Manage well the swelling sails. 
5' Trust not to your own opinion, 
While your vessel's under way ; 
But let Christ have the dominion, 
He's a guide that will not stray. 

6 And if Satan make you shudder, 
Or the' worldlings mock and rail ; 
Let your Saviour guide your rudder, 
Providence attend your sail. 

7 Come, dear friends, set out for heaven, 
Take Immanuel for yoUi' guide ; 

Else you must at last be driven 
Down the deep, sulphureous tide. 

HYMN 35. P. M. 

1 AT Jesus' feet, the place of prayer, 
The one thing needful was found there, 

Which Mary made her choice ; 
And I will seek with her to find 
At Jesus' feet, that humble mind, 

Which makes the saint rejoice. 

2 Fain would I take good Mary's seat, 
And wash my bless'd Redeemer's feet 

With pure affection's tears : 



24 

His bJood was shed, he died for me, 
That I redeem'd and sav'd might be, 
When he again appears . 

~ HYMN 36. P. M. 

On the 8th Chap, of Prov. Or the excellency of 
Wisdom. 

\ COME, ye that pass by make now the good choice ; 

Hark, hear wisdom cry, and put forth her voice ; 

Hear, for she will speak of excellent things, 

Far better than fame, or riches of kings. 
ft The words of her mouth in righteousness are, 

And nothing perverse doth wisdom declare j 

They also are plain if men understand, 

And right to all those who've knowledge in hand*. 

3 Not silver nor gold, but wisdom receive, 
God saith that is best, and we should believe ; 
Nor rubies are rich like wisdom divine, 
Whatever you love this prize will outshine. 

4 Fair wisdom doth dwell with prudence serene, 
And curious arts by wisdom are seen ; 

The wise fear the Lord, hate evil and pride, 
And by them what's false and base is denied. 

5 Good counsel she has, and that at full length, 
Understanding too, perfection of strength ; 
Kings govern by her, and princes they rule, 
And justice decree, being taught in her school. 

6 O come now and see if this be the truth, 
And early seek her, while you are in youth ; 
Both riches and honour may there be found, 
Far better than that that's dug from the ground. 

7 Come now, and possess the substance she'll give, 
Her righteousness all mankind may receive : 
Before the world was, her name then was known, 
And ever since that her beauty hath shone. 

8 Both mountains and hills by wisdom were rear'd, 
The earth and the fields by her were declar'd; 
"When God did prepare the heavens and sea, 
Then wisdom was there, and made them to be. 

g The clouds that we see, and fountains we view, 
Were all made by her, who all things can do ; 
She gave to the sea, when fonn'd by the Lord, 
The firmest decree, which bound like a cord. 

IO When God did begin to bring things in sight; 
Then wisdom stood, and was his delight ; 
And when the first man Jehovah did make. 
Then wisdom did not the Maker forsake. 



25 

**^- 

II Now hearken to her, and take it for truth, 
That Messed is he who seeks her in youth ; 
How happy the man who constantly waits, 
And patiently, too, delights in her gates. 

12 He who findeth her, life also doth find, 
And this he can say, that wisdom is kind : 
To righteousness she the world doth invite, 
O, come get wisdom, and you will be right. 

1.3 O come and embrace her, both young and old. 
This wisdom and grace can never be told ; 
Come, eat of her bread, and drink of her wine, 
And you will have bliss that's truly divine. 

HYMN 37. L. M. 

(Prov. viii. 17.) 
An invitation to the youth to seek the Lord. 

1 O COME and taste his matchless love, 
Ye blooming youth, come setk the Lord;' 
Ask now for wisdom from above, 

And God your wishes will regard. 

2 Your early cries shall please him well, 
O let not sin your souls ensnare ; 
But shun the paths of death and hell, 
Religion's noblest pleasures share. 

3 Jesus is worthy of your love, 

O let him have your first regard ; 
Nor let your youthful passions vove f 
'Till you can say, " I love '.lie Lord.^ 

4 So shall your growing years be blest, 
The church shail over \ou rejoice ; 
Jesus himself shall be your rest, 
While angels glory in your choice, 

HYMN 38. C. M. 
(Phil, iv 19.) 
1 LORD, how exten-ive is thy grace f 
How rich, how full, how free ! 
The needy thou delight'st to raise, 
I U tell my wants to ihee. 
C 



26 

2 I want to fear thy sacred name, 

I want to love thee more ; 
I want to feel that heav'nly flame, 
Which I have felt before. 

3 I want to know myself aright, 

To hear what Jesus saith ; 
I want repentance in thy sight, 
I want a stronger faith. 

4 I want to have my soul resign'd 

Completely to thy will ; 
I want a meek and humble mind, 
I want my wants to feel. 

5 I want a chaste and single eye : 

Thy gracious ear incline ; 
From fulness infinite supply 
This empty soul of mine. 

6 Through Jesus let these blessings flow ; 

He bought them with his blood ; 
Now let a worthless sinner know 
Thy promise is made good. 

HYM ' 39. CM. 

1 THY goodness, L,ord, cannot be told, 

How good thou art to me ! 
Thy grace continue to unfold, 
And let me live to thee. 

2 Let trials or let troubles come, 

If thou art only mine, 
Though ev'ry other help be gone, 
I never need repine. 

3 Soon as I find myself forsook, 

Thy grace anew is giv'n : 
A sigh can reach thy heart, a look 
Can bring thee down from heaven. 

4 Thy goodness, Lord, cannot be told, 

How good thou art to me ! 



27 

Thy grace continue to unfold, 
To all eternity. 

HYMN 40. C. M. 

1 OUR days below, how short they are, 

How lull of pain and wo ; 
We scarcely can our hearts prepare, 
Before we hence must go. 

2 O did we think — How short our days ! 

How full of evil too! 
We all should strive to mend our ways, 
And after peace pursue. 

3 Narrow the way, and straight the gate, 

How few do enter in ! 
While thousands meet a wretched fate, 
By running on in sin. 

4 The righteous, after all is done, 

Are scarcely sav'd at last ; 
They must with faith and patience run, 
Or into wo be cast. 

5 O for a heart to be resign'd 

In every time and place ; 
A quiet and a willing mind, 

That's well supplied with grace. 

6 Lord, let our troubles work for good, 

Our trials be our gain ; 
And keep us in this narrow road, 
Till we shall heav'n obtain. 

HYMN 41. P. M ' 

JSetu Tear. 
1 ANOTHER year is past and gone, 
A new year's-day doth on us dawn, 

So pass our lives away ; 
Our days below, are but a span ; 
The cruel grave takes up the man, 
There all must equal lay. 



28 

2 The high* the low, the rich, the poor, 
Must enter death's impartial door, 

And moulder buck to dust ; 
Our body must be food for worms, 
While our immortal soul returns 

To him who gave it first. 

3 At the last day, the happy just 
Will have account to render first, 

And each receive a crown ; 
Then all the wicked throng will come, 
To hear their last tremendous doom, 

And sink in mis'ry down. 

4 " Depart, ye curs'd, I know you not, 
" My love on earth you never sought, 

'« You sinn'd and hated God ; 
fi I call'd, but you refus'd to hear, 
" And now, I in my anger swear 

" That you shall feel the rod." 

5 But hear their last, and fruitless plea, 
f' O that we could but cease to be, 

" That we might rest from pain :" 
In vain, alas ! they now implore 
That they may live to feel no more, 

They cry for death in vain. 

6 Eternity has just begun ; 
Although so many ages run 

While sun and moon gave light, 
They now are useless, laid aside: 
Still runs the constant, rapid tide, 

An everlasting flight 

7 Lord, grant that ev'ry one this year, 
May seek thy holy love and fear, 

And thus prepare to die ; 
That when their work below is done, 
Their peace with God on high begun,, 

They may to glory fly. 



29 ^ 

HYMN 42. P. M (John xxi. 22.) 

1 LORD, while I the path survey, 
Scan the pilgrim's narrow way, 
Nothing can I see to please, 

Or to give my spirit ease : 

'« What,' says Christ, * is that to thee, 

•* If thou follow atter me i" 

2 Sore afflictions are ahead, 
In my walk and on my bed; 
Troubles many I can view, 
Trials keen, and not a few : 

" But then what are these to thee, 
" If thou follow after me I" 

3 Persecution I shall meet. 
Which may serve to turn my feet; 
And I fear I shall backslide, 
Pierce afresh thy bleeding side : 
" But fear not, I'll fight for thee, 
" Follow closer after me." 

** But a wretch undone I am, 
If I quit my worldly name ; 
Loneliness will be my home, 
All my friends will laugh and scorn c 
11 These, my son, shall not hurt thee, 
w If thou follow after me." 

5 " But all pride thou must lay by, 
" Curb thy passions, self deny, 
,c Ev'ry sin, of ev'ry kind, 

'* Must be wholly cast behind ; 
*' Take thy cross, and follow me, 
«« This is all I want of thee." 

6 Lord, take away the stony heart, 
Send thy Spirit like a dart ; 
Touch, and set on fire my soul, 
Make my fainting spirit whole : 
Then, O Lord, I'll follow thee, 
As thou hast commanded me. 



, 30 __ 

HYMN 43. P. M. 

Fast. 
YE sinners all of Adam's race, 
Proclaim a fast, and seek God's face 

By humble, earnest prayer: 
O may we all live in God's fear 
Throughout, another fleeting year, 

If he our lives should spare. 
O may he bless us for his sake, 
In all we do or undertake, 

As shall be for the best ; 
And when the year is past and gone. 
May we again our thanks return, 

That he our lives hath bless'd. 
But if he should see fit to take 
Us from the earth, O may he make 
» Us objects of his care : 
And let us be where'er we may, 
May we remember well that day, 

And all our hearts prepare. 
Lord, help us that we may abstain 
From eating bread or getting gain, 

But humbly pray and fast ; 
Remembering our time is short, 
And spend this day in serious thought 

As though it were our last. 

HYMN 44. L. M. 

YE virgins of Jesus arise, 

Nor slumber like fools in your camps ; 

Like virgins of old that were wise, 

Take plenty of oil with your lamps. 

The bridegroom will shortly appear, 

And with a loud voice make his call ; 

Then if you must go to prepare, 

The door will be shut on you all. 

Say not unto others give oil, 

Our lamps while we slept have gone out ; 



31 

Not so ; that would others despoil, 
And plunge them in darkness and doubt. 

Let ev'ry one look out in time, 
His vessel with grace wisely rill ; 
In season his soul then may climb, 
To mansions in Zion's fair hill. 



HYMN 45. L.M. 

Heavenly Music. 

1 HARK ! O my soul, methinks I hear 
A sound that much delights my ear ! 

Chorus. — Jiuay in the land <>f Canaan. 
It is those saints who've gone before, 
To praise their Lord forevermore. 

Chorus. — Aivay in the land of Canaan, 
Canaan, Canaan, my long and happy home, 
I a?n bound for the land of Canaan. 

2 They've bid afflictions all adieu, 
They're free from pain and sorrow too ; 

Chorus. 
They have the cross no more to bear, 
A crown of glory they do wear. 

Chorus. 

3 Then come, my friends, let us march on, 
And join that holy, heav'nly song ; 

Chorus. 
For 'tis a sweet employ indeed, 
Where all from sin and pain are freed. 

Chorus. 

4 Ten thousand thousand in one band, 
Are there united heart and hand ; 

Chorus. 
And we with them may join the theme. 
"Which will forever be the same. 

Chorus, 



32 

— — — — -»— — — - 

5 What sacred pleasure we shall prove, 
And feel the charming pow'r of love j 

Chorus. 
A heav'n indeed we shall enjoy, 
Which nothing ever can destroy. 

Chorus. 

6 And when on wings of love we rise, 
To view those mansions in the skies, 

Chorus. 
We there shall sit at Jesus' feet, 
With him enjoy communion sweet. 

Chorus. 

7 Come then, O Lord, and bid us speed, 
Where we may be from sorrow freed j 

Chorus. 
, We long to gain that blest abode, 
To dwell forever with our God. 
Chorui. 

8 Press forward, brethren, to the skies, 
For soon, with joy. you'll win the prize ; 

Chorus. 
Soon we shall gain immortal crowns, 
An<J sit with Christ, on heav'nly thrones. 

Chorus. 

9 These trying scenes will soon be past, 
The vict'ry we shall gain at last ; 

Chorus, 
And then behold, with great delight, 
The saints array'd in glory bright. 

Chorus. 

10 By faith we see the angels wait 
Around the bright, celestial gate ; 

Chorus. 
When God gives orders, they will come, 
To guard his happy children home, 

Chorus, 



33 

HYM A 46. CM. 



t SEE ! the grim messenger is come, 
Nor will a moment stay ; 
A human soul is called home, 
Without the least delay. 

2 Another friend is call'd to go, 

Behold he pants for breath ; 
See there the sad effects of sin, 
The agonies of death. 

3 And now th' immortal soul returns 

To him who gave it first ; 
For Christ the Lord has bid it come, 
And leave its mortal dust. 

4 Come all ye living, mortal men, 

Remember you must die ; 
Let it be where it will, or when, 
Remember death is nigh. 

5 Ah, see ! another friend is gone, 

(By nature good as you,) 
To fill the ever hungry tomb, 
He's bid this world adieu, 

6 Now see the body, cold as stone, 

How lifeless it doth lay ; 
How soon it's hurried to the tomb, 
And moulders back to clay. 

7 Soon, in an unexpected hour, 

The messenger will come, 
And take another blooming flow'i' 
To an eternal home. 

8 O let us all our hearts prepare, 

Since we must shortly die ; 
And sink to horrible despair, 
Or rise to joys on high. 

HYMN 47. CM -~ 

the aviakentd Sinner. 

1 HOW often am I led to fear, 
How often to complain ; 



34 

And still my Lord is not severe, 
But doth his wrath restrain. 

2 While I deserv'd Jehovah's ire 

On mercy I have fed ; 
O wondrous love, that ev'ry hour 
Pours blessings on my head I 

3 But let me ask — do I amend, 

While I his goodness tell ? 
Ah, no ; but still my footsteps bend, 
The downward road to hell. 

4 Reclaim, O Lord, a wand'ring child, 

Forgive the sin that's past ; 
And may I be so reconcil'd, 
As to be sav'd at last. 

HYMN 48. L. M. "* 

1 THE christian pilgrim doth pursue 
The narrow way, with heav'n in view ; 
O would the world but pilgrims be, 
That they the joys of heav'n might see. 

2 The pilgrim spies a distant crown, 
For which his life he'd fain lay down ; 
Ke labours with a steady hand, 

And steers his way to Canaan's land. 

3 Sometimes upon the land he is, 
Sometimes upon the boist'rous seas ; 
Sometimes upon the mountain's top, 
Sometimes the valley takes him up. 

4 Though sore temptations him assail, 
He boldly fights the powers of hell; 
And let him be where'er he will, 
He's on the way to heaven still. 

5 Where will this christian pilgrim go, 
When he is done with all below ? 
Christ will receive him with a smile, 
And hear'n reward him for his toil. 



S5 

6 Then let us faithful pilgrims be, 
And all temptation learn to flee ; 
With patience run the christian race, 
That we may see our Saviour's face. 

HYMN 49. L. M. 

1 I LOVE my Lord, I love his laws, 
I love religion's blessed cause ; 

I love his faithful children too r 
I love his precious will to do. 

2 I love this narrow, happy way, 
I love to watch, I love to pray ; 

I love the crown, I love the cross, 
I love the gold without the dross. 

3 I love to shout, I love to sing-, 

I love to praise my heavenly king* ; 

I love my Lord, I know I do, 

I love the souls that he loves too. 

4 I love his saints that are below, 
I love the precious sinner too ; 

1 love those who have gone before, 
I love my Jesus more and more. 

HYMN 50. L. M. 

•' Look unto ine and be ye saved?'* Isa. 45. 2' 

1 LOOK unto me, the Saviour cries, 
Look, sinners, look with steadfast eyes • 
Look, for in me your help is found, 
Look, here's a balm for ev'ry wound. 

2 Look unto me, your souls are mine, 
Look, here is living bread and wine ; 
Look, all ye souls who fear my name, 
Look unto me, I bore your shame. 

3 Look unto me, and me alone, 
Look, see your Father on the throne ; 
Look now, while I inviting stand, 
Look, here's eternal life in hand, 



36 

4 Look saints, look sinners, and adore ; 
Look, and be joyful evermore ; 
Look, here's your prophet, priest and king, 
Look, and complete salvation sing. _ 

HYMN 51. P. JVL 

Christian Perfection. 

1 GREATER wealth cannot be sought, 
Richer treasures can't be bought, 
Than the true believers find, 

In an holy, humble mind. 

2 Greater honour can't be found 
On this transitory ground ; 
Than the honour God doth give 
All that holy, humble live. 

3 Greater learning none attain, 
City sage or village swain, 
Than the holy, humble find, 
Who to God are all resign'd. 

4 Greater comfort can't be had, 
From the palace to the shed, 
Than the holy, humble joy, 
Saints may have without alloy. 

5 Greater love cannot be told, 
(Neither is it bought for gold,) 
Than is ever freely giv'n, 
Holy, humble souls, from heav'n. 

6 Greater hope there's none crm have, 
In the dark and lonely grave ; 
Than the holy, humble child, 

Who to God is reconcil'd. 

7 Greater courage none can boast, 
In the navy or the host, 

Than the holy, humble saint, 
For his heart is never faint. 

8 Greater foes, of greater might, 
No man ever had to fight, 



37 

■i i 

Thati the holy, humble heart, 

But the Lord does strength impart. 
9 Then, O Lord, I would beg-in 

To contend with every sin, 

Holy, humble, may I be, 

Full of heaven, full of thee. 

10 Give me, Lord, a perfect heart, 
All renew'd in every part ; 
And if this be thy good will, 
Nov: thy promises fulfil. 

HYMN 52. L. M. Heb. xiii. 8. 

1 IS Jesus evermore the same ? 
Lean then, my soul, upon his name ; 
O bid thy unbelief be gone, 

And learn to live by faith alone. 

2 Why do I act so vile a part, 

And grieve my Saviour to the heart 1 
Establish, Lord, my wav'ring mind* 
With cords of love my spirit bind. 

3 O help my faith to soar above, 
To rest in thy unchanging love ; 
Thy faithfulness I now adore, 

Nor would I grieve my Saviour more. 

HYMN 53. L. M. * 

*' Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall 
be cotnforted" (Matt. v. 4.) 

1 COME, mourning soul, dismiss thy fear, 
Bid satan flee, for God is true ; 

Let unbelief now disappear, 
His promise i9 for such as you. 

2 Come, live by faith in him alone, 
Jesus will lead you safely through I 
Believe and hope, as well as mourn. 
Himself hath taken care for you. 



38 

HYMN 54. C. M. 

Morning. 

1 THE night is past and gone, 

The morning light appears; 
When shall I see that inward morn, 
That end of doubts and fears. 

2 My nights and days do fly 

Like lightning through the air ! 
Or like a weaver's shuttle swift, 
Or like a nimble hare. 

3 And still, O Lord, I stray 

Continually from thee ! 
O give rae grace to walk the road 
Of spotless purity. 

4 And if my life is spar'd 

Another fleeting day, 
O rtay I better be preparM 
To leave this house of clay. 

HYMN 55. C. M. 

1 Collect thy wandering tho'ts, vain man, 

And look into the grave ! 
Number thy days, they're but a span, 
And try thy soul to save. 

2 Thy neighbours have already gone 

Thy fathers, where are they ? 
They sleep within the silent tomb, 
And moulder back to clay. 

3 Thy days, like theirs, are few and short, 

Uncertain is thy breath ; 
Soon thou shalt lie and be forgot. 
In the cold arms of death. 

4 Arise, prepare to meet thy God, 

This work no more delay ; 
But walk the narrow, happy road, 
Which leads to endless day. 



39 

HYMN 56. P. M. 

1 THE christian shuns the giddy crowd, 
Arm'd with the Spirit and the sword, 

He fights his way to peace ; 
Afflictions all the way attend, 
Yet Christ, a constant, faithful friend, 

Has promis'd to be his. 

2 He does not mingle with the world, 
His life, his love, his all are sold 

His Master's will to do : 

His faithful prayers the Lord doth hear j 

God's grace inspires a filial fear, 

And bids him onward ero. 
__ 

HYMN 57. C. M. 

A Call. 

1 WHEN I survey the sinner's state, , 

And that of christians too, 
I see the harvest, Lord, is great 
And labourers are few. 

2 Send, Lord, by whom thou wilt, I cried, 

But spare a worm like me ; 
For how can I thy truth defend, 
Or face the enemy ? 

3 For surely some will laugh and scorn, 

My learning is so small ; 
They'll say I'd better stay at home, 
For I have had no call. 

4 "Once you could swear, they'll say ; and lie, 

u Your days in sin were spent ; 
" But now you tell us we must die, 
l * Except we do repent. 

5 " Once you could join the highest glee, 

44 Perhaps exceed the rest ; 
"But though no better now than we, 
" Against us you protest.'' 



_ ■ : 40 

6 Lord, 'tis too much, I cannot go, 

Whether I stand op fall ; 
Yea, I bad rather risk the wo. 
Than to obey the call. 

7 Hush ! desp'rate folly, shall I bear 

The dreadful wrath of God, 
Because I will not Christ declare, 
And tell his love abroad ? 

8 Nay, Lord, I'll venture out by faith, 

And, without ceasing, pray ; 
Yea, gladly spend my every breath, 
Thy gospel to display. 

9 May I be faithful to the grace 

That is already given ; 
With courage fight, and run the race, 
To win the prize in heav'n. 

HYMN 58. L. M. 
Isaiah, vii. 9 Faith. 

1 O PRECIOUS faith '.—may I be found 
Establish'd on its happy ground: 
Instruct me, Jesus, from above, 

And build me up in faith and love, 

2 Then let the rising billows roll, 
Faith is the anchor of my soul ; 
I'm well secur'd on every side, 

Fix'd firm in Christ, my rock, my guide. 

HYMN 59. L. M. 

1 YE highly favour'd, who profess 
To love and practise holiness, 

You stand expos'd to earth and hell, 
And seriousness becomes you well. 

2 Be circumspect in all your ways, 

And spread your great Redeemer's praise , 
Let his commands be your delight, 
This is well pleasing in his sight. 



41 ^ 

Labour to prove your faith sincere, 
In purity and holy fear ; 

Let all your conduct still express 
The truth and power of godliness. 

4 Look up to him whose blood was spi.= L 
To purchase pardon for your guilt ; 
His grace can all your sins subdue, 
And help you both to will and do. 

5 O love and reverence his name, 
And let his glory be your aim : 

So shall your souls escape distress, 
And glory in his righteousness. 

A SENTIMENTAL POEM. 
WHILE others boldly tell their sentiments, 

1 too, perhaps, may venture mine to tell ; 
But lest I tedious seem, (a common fault,) 
Few words, and plain, must give my theory. 
And while I write, as in the sight of God, 
From motives purest, and with single eye, 
May Truth and Candour regulate my pen ; 
And lest while I shall write, I lose my peace, 
May pray'r ar.d watchfulness my soul defend. 
Creation fir.st we venture to observe, [both, 
When God made man, upright he made them 
And happy too : in Eden they were plac'd; 
There, of the tree of life they ate, and fell. 
Great was the full, it bro't mankind to death. 
Then mercy wondrous mov'd the God of peace 
To send his Son to ransom what was lost. 
3ehold the Son in Bethlehem appears ! 

4e comes to seek and save the sinners lost. 
behold his life of spotless innocence ! 
)n Calvary see him ! There for us he dies ! 
The Just for unjust, fallen, wretched men, 
'"or all he dies, not a selected few ; 
or all have sinn'd, and all a ransom need. 
D 



42 

And is the Saviour partial to mankind ? 
Nay, God forbid : his mercy all may find 
On gracious terms,repentance,falth and love ; 
Obedient souls eternal life shall find. 
You ask for proof, and I a figure give. 
Fast bound in prison see ten criminals, 
Sentenc'd to die an ignominious death. 
The sentence past, they wait their destiny, 
For they have nought to pay that theymay live. 
A friend they have who pities their distress, 
And thus in love bespeaks the hapless men : 
4c I feel your pains, and know your dreadful 
** Behold, a crown I offer to you each: [doom. 
"He that acceptsfrom death shall be releas'd; 
** But if my offer you presume to slight, 
* ; Stern death inevitable is your lot. 
tf And that you may my kindness fully prove, 
** Mpe your prison door, your bands unloose, 
u Bid you escape to Zion's holy mount ; 
"Butdarkness,death and bondage if you love, 
64 Your door I'll shut, and leave you to your 

doom." 
Now some, through unbelief, will not receive 
The crown, or 'scape from bondage and from 
But others fly to liberty and life. [dealh. 

The figure's plain — all have an open door ; 
Christ's b^ood was shed for all the human race, 
And all who take him for their friend shall 
But if impatience mar our diligence, [live. 
Or we grow weary, and his love forget, 
Then must we die, and rank with guilty souls 
Who never tasted of his gracious love. 
But to proceed— Creation to resume. 
How came the world and all things to exist ? 
The sun and moon and stars to run their 

course ? 
Who regulates the mighty deep ? and calms 
The roaring seas ? and who to all gives life ? 



43 

A GOD invisible, but seen in all his works. 
The fools, and only such, believe no God. 
But G'xl his nature in his word declares, 
Which bears the stump of its great origin, ■ 
And peace and virtue spreads where'er it 
In the beginning ev'ry thing was good, [goes. 
And fav'rite man in God's own image shone ; 
But soon he fell by disobeying God, 
And with him fell his num'rous progeny : 
Deny this not, while pain afflicts them all r 
Since pain and sin eternal union hold. 
But oh, how good is God ! how great his mer- 
He sent his Son, his only Son, to die, [cy ! 
That sinners might from sin and pain be free, 
On terms to honour God and them rejoice. 
Though buried was our Lord, he rose again, 
And intercedeth for the world in heav'n. 
While others say " A part elected were, 
And none of those can ever fall from grace," 
I hold, that all may seek and find the Lord, 
And never lose him Yet 'tis possible 
To shipwreck faith and sink at last to hell. 
Some also say that infants of a span 
In hell shall suffer But, the Lord forbid ; 
For heav'n is theirs who never sinn'd on earth. 
* O come,* says Christ, * and be ye saved all :' 
Again he says, ' ye will not come and live.* 
But such as disobey, and, careless, lose 
Their souls, most justly reap eternal wo. 
Again, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, 
Are one in substance, but in person three : 
The Father, first created us to live ; 
When lost, the Son, in love, came to redeem, 
That we might love and serve him, and be 
The Holy Spirit s?nctifies the soul ; sav'd ; 
For in this life, perfection is requir'd, 
God bids us love him with a perfect heart, 
Which all must do that enter heaven's gate* 



44 



We his commands must ever keep in view, 
And imitate him far as he requires : 
All outward forms. are vain, without the pow'r 
Of faith and love our hearts to stimulate. 
Now since I have compendiously declar'd 
My views of some few truths momentous, 
Let those who other schemes have entertain'd 
Follow their bible, reason, and the Lord. 
As I profess, so may I live till death, 
In preparation for that solemn clay, 
When God shall judge the world in right- 
eousness, 
A gen'ral resurrection there shall be ; 
The good to life, the bad to endless death. 
Oh then, my soul, live cautious and prepare : 
The time is short, eternity's at hand : 
Be faithful, and receive the crown of life, 
Lest like a millstone thou shouldst plunge 
the deep. 

' * A RIDDLE. 

1 A POOL I am, yet bless'd with wisdom's light; 
My body's weak, yet I can boast of might ; 

Of mortals fed, but yet let mortals know, 
Such is my food, no mortal tan bestow. 

2 But, stranger still, I'm deaf, dumb, lame and blind, 
I yet can hear, see, walk and talk you find : 

No life, and yet I live ; I'm sick, and well ; 

Not far from heav'n, though scarcely sav'd from hell. 

Each day I live by begging, I'm so poor, 

Vet I am rich, and always have in store. 



ON THE DEATH OF AN INFANT. 

X O CRUEL death! impartial foe : 
(Come, friends, and drop a tear :) 
The tender babe is call'd to go, 
Before it death could fear. 
2 Come, pensive muse, and touch the string-, 
Begin a mournful song ; 



45 

Yet gratitude must also spring, 
That death delay'd so long. 

3 O mournful scene ! O solemn thought '. 

Lord, couldst thou not forbear ? 
And is the babe to be forgot 
By kind parental care ? 

4 How often has the tender thing 

Unon affection's knee 
Been dandled ; and how often made 
Its Parent's only glee. 

5 When a few months had past and gone, 

The. flow'r must fade away ; 
How sudden too, in early morn, 
While on the bed it lay ! * 

6 The Parents rose their work to do, 

The infanVlept in bed ; 
And ere they had their meal got through, 
The precious babe was dead. 

7 But oh ! what were the parent's thoughts, 

When to the bed she came, 
And found her infant child a corpse ! 
How did her grief exclaim. 

8 Methinks I hear deep groans and sighs, 

Burst from her aching heart ! 
Huge tears roll from her drowned eyes* 
How keen the sudden smart ! 

9 Good Lord ! and why is this our fate ? 

We had not dream'd the thing; 
But why speak then I it is too late, 
For death has cast its sting. 

10 But hush, fond parents, check your grief, 

Your child no more lament ; 
Your Maker by this providence, 
Doth call you to repent. 

* found dead in the moraine. 



46 

11 Consider too, your darling child 

In paradise doth rest ! 
Not life and health, nor all this world 
Could make it half so bless'd. 

12 Be reconcil'd, your troubles here 

Will work eternal peace, 

If you believe, and persevere 

In working- righteousness. 

" Beauty and Bands'' 
THE holy Bible doth record, 
There was a servant of the Lord, 
He's on the scripture roll of fame, 
And Zechariah was his name. 
Of this good man we all may read, 
He had a little flock to feed, 
And to accomplish all his ends, 
Two staves he took— Beauty and Bands* 
Apropos here these words may be, 
To Faith and Works of charity. 
A just comparison indeed, 
And both of these the preachers need. 
How strongly living Faith will bind 
To Christ the christian's heart and mind j 
And the good Works of christians too, 
Are Beautiful, if Scripture's true, . 
Bat some pretend one stafTwill do, 
All earthly trials to go through ; 
" Good Works, they say, will answer welK 
To save th' immortal soul from hell," 
But Zechariah wanted two, 
He wanted Bands and Beauty too ; 
He took them both, and well he might, 
For probably he had to fight ; 
His enemies were not a few, 
With ev'ry sort he had to do : 
And 'tis the case with all who take 
The cross, and fight for Jesus' sake\ 



47 



Then why should any one pretend 
That works will answer ev'ry end. 
St. Paul for faith and works contends, 
His brother James, good works defends ; 
Both, like the prophet, meant to say, 
Take both, or throw them both away ; 
For one would tip me ou one side, 
While both would be a perfect guide. 
Then while I use with faithful hands, 
The staff" of Beauty, give me Bands ; 
Fur how can I my labour do, 
Unless I think my Saviour true: 
Fain would I work with all my might 
(My soul's salvation — ) and delight ; 
But what would this avail at last, 
If unbelief should hold me fast ? 
I, like the prophet, fain would feed 
The '« Little flock"— but Faith I need : 
For Faith with Works will ever prove 
I work for Christ, and v\ork from Love. 

ADDRESS TO ORPHAN CHILDREN. 

1 YE orphan children ; God will send 

His blessings to your aid ; 
The Lord will be your steadfast friend, 
Therefore be not afraid. 

2 What though your parents dear are dead, 

And in their graves they be ; 
Remember Jesus Christ has said, 
Let children come to me. 

3 He will forever be your friend 

And ev'ry aid impart ; 
And ev'ry comfort he can send, 
To the afflicted h; art. 

4 On him while you on earth remain, 

Your burdens freely cast ; 



48 

He'll kindly mitigate your pain, 
And save your souls at last. 

If an unfeeling world should frown, 
And treat you with neglect ; 

Let not your spirits be cast down, 
For God will you protect. 

The virtues of your parents dear, 
Impress upon your minds, 

For he who chooses virtue here, 
Alone true comfort finds. 



FINIS. 



... 



